Roofing problems usually start out small and lead to bigger, more costly issues over time. So, if you are proactive you can prevent and repair problems before they impact your quality of life and your budget. To help you stay on top of roof maintenance, here are a few of the most common roofing problems and how to fix them.

Fallen Limbs & Plant Matter

A common issue for homeowners in well-established neighborhoods is seeing tree limbs and fallen debris on the roof of the home. Or, feeling like a tree that overhangs the house will fall on it during the next big storm.

Homeowners can avoid this issue altogether with prevention in the form of regular tree cutting and maintenance to keep trees from becoming fall hazards. If you already have tree limbs on the roof, you can have them removed by a professional who offers roof cleaning services. It may be a good idea to look into a professional roof inspection to make sure the tree limbs didn't cause any damage when they fell on your home.

Overflowing & Clogged Gutters

You may also have noticed that the gutters frequently overflow when it rains. Your gutters can also look like they are sagging or have pulled away from the eaves of the roof. A quick check of the inside of the gutters on a dry day can show you if they are clogged with leaves and other plant debris that needs removing. 

While you are up the ladder, check the gutter nails that connect your gutters to the roof. They may have rusted through or become disconnected from the roof. Depending on the condition of the fastener nail, you may be able to hammer it back into place. Another option is to remove the gutter nail and replace it with a gutter screw that boasts stronger hold throughout the year.

Prevention is also a big plus when it comes to your gutters. If you don't like manually cleaning them to prevent clogs, you can install gutter guards designed to block debris from falling into the gutters in the first place.

Moisture & Heat Build-Up in the Attic

Not all roofs are installed the same way. Sometimes roofers neglect to install enough ventilation for the attic of the home, which can lead to issues like moisture and condensation. Stuffy attics also build-up heat that radiates into the living areas of the home. If you are dealing with these issues right now, it might be necessary to have a residential roofer install attic ventilation in the form of ridge vents, exhaust vents, and soffit and gable vents. 

If you have moisture in the attic, it's also a good idea to check the roof from the inside for signs of water leaks, such as dark stains on the underside of the roof decking. These leaking spots will need to be fixed with a roof repair.

Roof Leaks During Rain

One of the most obvious roofing issues for any home are roof leaks when it rains. If you see water dripping into the living areas of the home through the ceiling, or your home has water stains on the ceilings and walls of the living areas, it's a sign your roof is allowing water to enter your home.

You can check the inside of the attic for visible signs of water entering, or make a visual inspection of the roof outside from the ground. For a more thorough assessment of your roof, consider having a professional complete a roof inspection on the property. Depending on what the roofing contractor finds, you may be able to fix the leaky section of the roofing or your home might need a roof replacement.

Roof Leaks in Winter

It's not uncommon for roofs to leak a little bit in winter, especially on warmer days when snow and ice on the roof starts melting. This happens when ice dams form on the roof, and water pools on these dams as snow on the roof also melts on sunny days. Eventually, the trapped water builds up enough that it starts to back up underneath your shingles. Water that has made it underneath the shingles can seep through the roof decking into your home.

Thankfully, the damage from ice dams is very minimal if caught early. You can avoid the issue altogether by monitoring the roof for snow build-up and ice dam formation. If the snow reaches a depth of six inches or more, clean the snow off of your roof. You can also hire a professional to take care of snow removal from the roof of your home.

Sign Up for a Free Quote from Our Gutter & Roofing Company

Universal Builders of America, Inc. can provide qualified roofing and gutter replacement services for our customers. If you are at all worried about your roof in Michigan, call us to set up a free roof inspection.

Our home remodeling experts can help you in many areas:

• Roofing
• Siding
• Gutters
• Commercial Services

We also offer free quotes for roof replacement. Just use our online form to submit your request.